‘Monster’ wildfires force 350,000 to flee as France, Spain battle devastating blazes

More than 325,000 people have been evacuated as devastating wildfires continue to rage across France and Spain, scorching forests, destroying homes and overwhelming emergency crews. The fires, among the worst either country has faced in peacetime, have prompted large-scale rescue efforts and international assistance.

France’s largest blaze in the southwestern Gironde region has generated a rare “pyrocumulonimbus”—a massive fire cloud capable of creating its own winds and triggering lightning that can spark new fires. French President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency cabinet meeting to coordinate the government’s response.

In Spain, wildfires continue to spread across areas near Madrid and Valencia, with authorities describing the situation as a battle against a “monster.” Around 75,000 people have been evacuated from affected regions, while a fresh blaze near Valencia has forced another 15,000 residents from their homes.

Scientists say climate change, prolonged heatwaves and months of drought have intensified the fires, which have also disrupted transport, damaged infrastructure and threatened key industrial sites near Bordeaux.

In France, more than 250,000 people have been evacuated, at least 240 homes have been destroyed, and 75 firefighters have been injured since the fires intensified last week. Around 2,500 firefighters, backed by military personnel and police, remain on the front lines.

Spain has reported one civilian death in the fires, while two French firefighters were killed earlier this week near Bordeaux. Other European Union countries have deployed aircraft, firefighters and equipment to support both nations.

The wildfire emergency has also spread to Italy, where hundreds of tourists and beachgoers were evacuated by sea from the southern Puglia region as fires threatened coastal areas. Pope Leo IV offered prayers for those affected and for emergency responders battling the blazes.